It has been a long time since NYCFC have had all their weapons at their disposal. They travel to Philadelphia to face the Union with nearly all their team healthy and the results should be positive.
NYCFC have won four of their last five fixtures against The Union and will look to continue. David Villa returned last week against Toronto and picked up where he left off scoring goals. No one can forget the stunning chip shot he scored from midfield last year again Philly. Ismael Tajouri Shradi is becoming a star on the team with nine goals to his name and none more important that the two he scored last week. Shradi will hope to add to his tally on Saturday.
This next game is crucial for NYCFC. They all are from here out. The race for the Supporter’s Shield is tighter than ever with three teams battling for the tittle of first in the league and the Eastern Conference. Atlanta sit on top currently with 48 points. Red Bulls and NYCFC are right behind with 47. Red bulls do have a game in hand though and any points lost at this stage in the season could mean falling out of the top pack.
NYCFC enter the match with Philly on Saturday almost fully healthy. Only recent signing, Valentine Castellanos is out with a quad injury. Villa is back and Sean Johnson is back. It has been over a month since those two players were on the pitch at the same time. The team is healthy and focused and have no excuses even though they have not played the best on the road this year. The win against Toronto last week should buoy confidence although it was harder than it should have been with NYCFC playing a man up most of the game.
Philadelphia have been playing well of late and this game is about staying in the playoff picture. They are in a race with New England, Montreal, and a surging DC United team for a spot in the post season. They are a dangerous team with something to play for. Dome Torrent’s men will have to be ready. During the week, Torrent mentioned that he had seen several places where NYCFC could improve from the Toronto match. It will be interesting to see what he has in store.
All in all, the game should be a good one on Saturday night. For New York City it will be chance to come together as a team and disprove all the doubters. It will be a chance to show MLS that they are good at home and on the road. It will also give them a chance to gain an important three points before that huge game against the Red Bulls on Wednesday.
